Objective: Students will learn how to make good decisions without feeling overwhelmed when they can choose from a limited number of options

Direction Instruction: 1) Narrow down the list of options to three reasonable choices, whether it is a book to read, a game to play, or a project topic 2) Make sure that the student knows that the limitation is not a punishment, but rather a way to help make the decision easier. Remind them that all the choices are good, otherwise they would not be on the list 3) Ensure that the student knows that the final choice is theirs alone. This will ensure the student feels empowered and responsible 4) Help the student make a list of criteria to evaluate the choices, prioritizing what criteria is most important 5) Help the student make a list of pros and cons for each option based on the criteria 6) Have the student choose among the three options based on the criteria. Make sure the student makes the decision but provide reassurance that there all are good options otherwise you wouldn't have offered them. 7) For future decisions give the student more and more independence each time so they progressively learn to make decisions

Teacher Takeaways: Making a decision, and living with the consequences, is a key life skill. For assignments or other classroom decisions, provide students with a limited set of acceptable options (usually three) so the student has control but is not overwhelmed by many choices. Coach them to evaluate the pros and cons of each option before deciding.

OER Resource: Student Choice (Digital Promise Learner Variability Project)